Historic District Commission approves rear demolition, rear-window replacements and parapet removal at 10 South Monroe

The Historic District Commission voted to allow work on the rear of the building at 10 South Monroe, approving replacement of two first-floor rear windows in wood-clad or aluminum frames and removal of the rear parapet and chimney, with conditions aimed at preserving historic materials and ensuring code compliance.

The action came during the commission's regular meeting after staff recapped a prior conditional approval permitting demolition of the building's rear portion and invited the applicant, Mr. Hawk, to present updated facade plans. The applicant said he was seeking to balance restoring historic fabric with practical constraints and told the commission, “I was just told to show up. So,” when asked what he hoped to accomplish that night.

Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized that work on historic facades should avoid nonhistoric materials and that exterior alterations can trigger zoning or building-code requirements. Staff and commissioners said revised drawings must be submitted as a condition of final approval and warned that leaving portions of the rear wall in place may require a zoning variance because fence and screening rules in the C2 district limit solid, decorative walls to about four feet in height.

Key approvals and conditions
- Rear windows: The commission approved a motion to replace the two openings on the first floor at the rear of the building using either aluminum or wood-clad frames; vinyl was explicitly discussed as undesirable for historic compatibility. The approval was framed as a condition to allow the applicant to obtain occupancy while staff monitors materials and details.
- Parapet and chimney removal: Commissioners also approved removal of the parapet to the roof line, removal of the chimney, and installation of a new metal drip edge, as part of the previously authorized rear demolition.

Commissioners and staff stressed additional requirements. The commission asked the applicant to provide revised, updated plans before work proceeds and reminded him that any deviations from the approved plan could trigger a return to the commission or require a variance. Staff advised the applicant on tuckpointing: historic mortar is softer and should use lime-based mortar rather than modern concrete mixes, and the commission offered names of local contractors experienced in historic masonry.

Project timeline and next steps
The applicant said the work must be completed by the end of December to satisfy city occupancy or buyback conditions. Commissioners discussed phasing the work — allowing interior work and limited exterior steps now to meet occupancy deadlines, and completing larger front-facade work in a later phase — but they required clear updated drawings and staff sign-off as a condition of moving forward.

Votes at a glance
- Replace two rear first-floor windows with aluminum or wood frames: approved (motion and support recorded; specific roll-call names not provided in the transcript).
- Remove parapet and chimney and install new metal drip edge: approved (motion and support recorded; specific roll-call names not provided in the transcript).
- Adopt 2027 meeting dates (Resolution 26-01): approved (motion carried).

The commission closed the discussion by reiterating that utility relocation (e.g., electric meters) and retaining portions of the rear wall could create added expense or require zoning relief; staff said applicants should check with staff before proceeding to avoid unexpected returns to the commission. The meeting adjourned after adopting the 2027 meeting calendar.